Desert Discovery Tour$12 per person / 1 Hour
Enjoy a privately guided tour of the Garden’s main trail, which displays arid region plants from around the world. The many interactive exhibits along the trail include the visitor challenge “Are You Saguaro Smart?”, information on the Agave or “Century Plant”, and different calls of the Garden’s residential birds. Recommended books:
Desert Discovery Trail Guide
Plants & People of the Sonoran Desert Tour$12 per person / 1-1.5 Hours
The Sonoran Desert contains more than 400 edible plants and hundreds more with medicinal and utilitarian uses. This tour demonstrates how native people used the unique plants of this region. The guided tour takes the group through an Apache Wickiup and a Pima Household, revealing native cooking and gardening techniques along side hands-on activities such as, twisting a rope made from Agave leaves and pounding
mesquite beans to make flour.
Birds of the Southwest Tour
$12 per person / 1 Hour
Available year round: recommended March 1 – September 30
The Desert Botanical Garden is home to many birds including the Western Screech Owl, Gila Woodpecker, and Anna’s Hummingbird. As your group strolls through the Garden, the rich notes of the native Curved-billed thrasher echoes along the path while an ever-curious and personable Cactus Wren tags along. Recommended book:
Birds of the American Southwest
Spring Wildflower Tour$12 per person / 1 Hour
Available March 1 – May 30
There is truly nothing like the Sonoran Desert in the springtime. As
the desert explodes with color, stop and view the Mexican poppies, Penstemon, Desert Lupine and many other wildflowers in the Desert Botanical Garden’s exquisite Endicott Wildflower collection. The transformation of the desert into these incredible blooms invites
hummingbirds, jackrabbits, and smiles from everyone.
Recommended book:
Wildflowers of the Desert Southwest
Flashlight Tour
$25 per person for tour, bottled water, glow necklace or bracelet and trail mix
$30 per person with all of the above and a beverage from our bar /
2 Hour Event
Available June 1 – September 30
Nights in the Desert are anything but dull. Nighthawks fly,
night-blooming flowers open, toads sing and owls watch, as
you stroll the trails, seeking surprises around each corner.
Be ready to be adventurous! You will view critters such as
snakes, scorpions, and desert tortoises first hand at our
guided stations! Recommended start time 7 p.m. Minimum: 25
Native Cultures and Plants of the Southwest
$26 per person* – Self-guided
$29 per person* – Guided
approx. 4 Hours
*Additional $20 Flat Fee per Group of 30 people for Heard Guide
Please add $1.25/pp for tours scheduled after January 1, 2008
The Heard Museum and the Desert Botanical Garden have come
together to present a wonderfully insightful Southwest experience,
acquainting your group with the diversity of the Sonoran Desert and
the resourcefulness of the native people. This combination tour
includes a visit to both museums with lunch at Desert Botanical
Garden’s lovely outdoor Patio Café.
Guided tours available at both locations.
Southwest Experience
$95/pp (add $1.25/pp after 1/1/2008)
6 Hours: Recommended schedule 10:00am-4:00pm
Ollie the Trolley will pick you up and transport you through an
awakening experience as you are introduced to a world of wonders.
This tour includes the guided version of the Native Cultures & Plants
of the Southwest at both the Desert Botanical Garden and Heard
Museum and lunch at the Garden’s outdoor Patio Café. You will be
inspired by American Indian fine art and the rich cultural heritage
of Native people. “An unforgettable day, memorable transportation”
Minimum: 12 people
Desert Dish Garden Activity Tour
$38 per person (All Inclusive)
1 Hour Tour & 45 Min. Activity
After spending a day at the Desert Botanical Garden, your group can take home a little garden of their own in an original hand-thrown pot by local artist, Jim Sudal. Under the guidance of a knowledgeable instructor, your group will construct a cactus or succulent dish garden while enjoying the beauty and tranquility of the Desert Botanical Garden. A plant
care sheet and box will be included with each dish garden. Minimum: 15
Afternoon Tea in the Garden
Price: $42.00 per person (All Inclusive) / 2.5 Hours
Spend a delightful afternoon in the Garden sipping tea and savoring Fabulous Foods’ petite sandwiches and desserts. After tea, stroll the paths with a personal guide while learning about the treasures of the Sonoran Desert. A relaxing and educational experience awaits you here at the Desert Botanical Garden! Minimum: 15
Taste of the Southwest Cooking Demo, Lunch & Tour
Price $52 per person (All Inclusive) / 2.5 – 3 Hours
Wow! Take a look at this…your group can enjoy a Southwest Cooking Demonstration featuring a “Fabulous Food” chef. Learn how the food is prepared and then savor every bite with a lunch following. Your personal Ambassador guide(s) will then pick you up for a one hour guided tour of the Garden. Minimum: 15 Maximum: 30 (Per demo area)
Photographic Safari
Price $38 per person / 2.5 - 3 Hours
Get expert advice on how to improve photographs from a professional photographic instructor. The instructor will share invaluable tips on equipment and techniques the pros use and will take time to individually assist each attendee. Your safari will begin with a short introductory presentation. Then you will be taught to create powerful compositions, using the uniquely adapted plants and cacti of the Garden’s collection
as subjects. All camera formats (digital, non-digital) are welcome.
One instructor per/ 10-15 people.
Price $42 per person with 1 Hour Desert Discovery Tour:
Is your group artistically and scientifically inclined? Add a docent
guided 1 hour Desert Discovery Tour. We recommend scheduling
the tour first, to inspire your group’s creativity.
Jazz/Music in the Garden
$12 per person
Spend a relaxing Sunday afternoon or a Friday evening with a group of friends strolling through the Garden and listening to the Valley’s premier musicians on the scenic Ullman Terrace. Food and Beverages available at the Patio Café for an additional fee.
Self-Guided Group Tour$8 per person / Desert Discovery Trail Guides are available for $3 each
Self-guided visits are perfect for groups needing flexibility due to time constraints. The Desert Botanical Garden has a multitude of themed trails to choice from to suit your group’s needs.
Click here to download group tour information in an easily printed form: Group Tour Packet.
For pricing and reservations, please call 480-481-8104,
email us, or
request to have the DBG contact you.
8 a.m. – 8 p.m. (October – April)
7 a.m. – 8 p.m. (May – September)
Closed Thanksgiving, December 25 and July 4
